After knee surgery, of course, everyone wants to return to normal life and use their knee as usual. Besides taking care of yourself as the doctor recommends, postoperative physical therapy also plays an important role in helping patients regain normal knee function faster.
The exercises after surgery must be appropriate because there is still pain from the surgery. For safe movement, doctors and physical therapists will closely monitor the patient after surgery.
Physical Therapy – Cold Compress in the Early Postoperative Period
Generally, swelling, tightness, and knee pain can occur in the early postoperative period. Besides medication, physical therapy involving cold compresses, muscle contraction exercises around the knee combined with ankle dorsiflexion, or gentle knee bending and straightening will help prepare the body for movement. It also prepares the use of a Continuous Passive Motion machine to strengthen the thigh muscles before the patient starts standing up.
Physical Therapy When Able to Sit and Stand
To speed up the recovery of the body and the operated knee, when the patient can sit and stand on the bed, physical therapy will begin with knee exercises by bending and straightening both knees on the bed, especially the operated side. This helps the knee stretch and prevents stiffness while strengthening the muscles around the knee.
Walking Practice with a Walker
In this type of physical therapy, the physical therapist will have the patient practice standing and walking with a walker. The patient is instructed to lift the walker forward moderately, then step forward with the good leg, using the walker to support weight, and then step the operated leg forward to match the normal leg. The physical therapist stays close for safety. Start by walking around the bed and gradually increase the distance around the bed or within the patient’s room until walking becomes more stable. Then practice going up and down stairs well. The doctor will discharge the patient, usually within 4-7 days depending on each patient’s condition.
After Returning Home… How to Take Care
When the doctor allows the patient to return home, continuous physical therapy is important. The doctor and physical therapy team will provide advice tailored to each patient to strengthen the muscles around the knee, increase leg muscle flexibility, and improve the range of motion of the artificial knee so the patient can use the knee effectively and return to daily activities. Therefore, patients should strictly follow the physical therapist’s instructions.
Another important aspect for patients and caregivers is to prepare the home environment, such as setting up the patient’s bedroom on the ground floor, avoiding stairs for those at risk of falls, using a toilet with a flush system, and taking care of the surgical wound to prevent infection and attending follow-up appointments with the doctor.
Exercise to Strengthen Leg Muscles
About 2-6 months after surgery, patients become accustomed to the artificial knee and can bend the knee 120-140 degrees with stable walking, stair climbing, and alternating steps.
Recommended sports include brisk walking, swimming, cycling, and sports that do not put much strain on the knee such as badminton and tennis. Patients should avoid lifting or carrying heavy objects, sitting cross-legged, kneeling, or squatting as these put impact on the artificial knee, reducing its lifespan. If physical therapy or exercise causes pain, muscle soreness, or joint pain including the operated knee, stop immediately. If pain persists for more than 1-2 days, see a doctor promptly.
